Payroll Specialist

Macquarie University; Sydney; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking

Professional development

Onsite childcare facilities

Discounted health insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Macquarie University is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist for a 12-month fixed term contract at the Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde. You will deliver fortnightly pay runs, manage payroll tax and superannuation, and resolve complex queries with attention to detail.

Join our Shared Services Team to support STP compliance, system upgrades, and enterprise agreement updates, ensuring accurate payroll services across the university group. Flexible work arrangements are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience with complex payroll operations, including pay-run processing and reconciliations.
• Strong knowledge of Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, PAYG, Payroll Tax, and STP reporting.
• Proficiency in HR/Payroll systems – Workday and Ascender preferred, with analytical mindset.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Delivering timely and accurate fortnightly pay runs
• Managing payroll tax, superannuation, and other payments
• Resolving complex payroll queries efficiently
• Performing financial reconciliations and preparing reports for auditors and stakeholders
• Assisting with salary and allowance updates per Enterprise Agreements and Modern Awards
• Supporting payroll system upgrades and process improvements
• Ensuring Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance

Skills

Payroll processing

STP reporting

Attention to detail

Communication

Stakeholder management

Tools

Workday

Ascender

Job description

- 12-month fixed term contract - Up to $112,741k plus 17% superannuation - Flexible work arrangements, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our Shared Services Team for a 12-month fixed term contract. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate and compliant delivery of payroll services across the Macquarie University Group.

About the Role

• Delivering timely and accurate fortnightly pay runs


• Managing payroll tax, superannuation, and other payments


• Resolving complex payroll queries efficiently


• Performing financial reconciliations and preparing reports for auditors and stakeholders


• Assisting with salary and allowance updates per Enterprise Agreements and Modern Awards


• Supporting payroll system upgrades and process improvements


• Ensuring Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance

What We’re Looking For (selection criteria)

Experience in complex payroll operations, including pay-run processing, reconciliations, and compliance. Strong understanding of Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, PAYG, Payroll Tax, and STP reporting. Proficiency in HR/Payroll Enterprise Systems – experience with Workday and Ascender is highly regarded; Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

About us

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.

Applications Close: Sunday 15th of November 2026 at 11:59pm (AEDT).

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date. For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Kate Williams – Talent Acquisition Consultant – [e-mail].

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the fabulous staff benefits on offer when you work at Macquarie University.

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account.

Flexible Work At Macquarie

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace.

What we offer?

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements


• 17% Superannuation


• Subsidised onsite parking options


• Extensive training and professional development programs


• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents


• Onsite vacation care during school holidays


• Discounted health insurance


• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre


• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support


• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Discover our beautiful campus

Just 15km from Sydney’s CBD and with access to Australia’s only dedicated university metro station, our Wallumattagal Campus in Macquarie Park offers a vibrant and inspiring place to work—right in one of the world’s greatest cities. Take a look at our campus

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